Intaglio: The lines of the image are incised, or cut, into a metal plate. This can be done with sharp tools, as in engraving, or with acid, as in etching and aquatint. Ink is applied and forced into the incised areas. Ink remaining on the surface is removed, and the plate is ready for printing.

Etching and drypoint are combined on a copper plate for this 7-minute demonstration, which is Bill Ritchie's style of testing each of the etching presses that he makes before sending it to its owner. You don't see how he made this plate, but you catch a glimpse of making changes to the etching using drypoint. Bill is focussed on test-printing his 43rd Mini Halfwood Press.

Preparing ink for intaglio printing reveals clumps and inconsistencies that can be removed before printing. Learn to prepare intaglio ink with tips from a printmaker in this free printmaking video series.